05-28-2015, 12:33 PM
I know....I know, this is an extremely early mock draft for 2016. But I just can't help myself. If you have some time, take a look and let me know what you think...
1st
Laquan Treadwell - WR - Ole Miss
Height: 6’2” Weight: 229
![[Image: Laquon-Treadwell-Mississippi-v-Mississip...Sizfpl.jpg]](http://sports-kings.com/downanddistance/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Laquon-Treadwell-Mississippi-v-Mississippi-BEo__cSizfpl.jpg)
The Bengals coaching staff and front office decided to roll with one more season with AJ, Sanu and Jones at the top of the WR depth chart. As much as I like all three players, I don’t see the decision panning out in the Bengals favor. Also, with impending free agency for much of the WR corps, it is important to reload the position.
Treadwell is the type of dynamic receiver that could give this corps the boost it needs. He is a “natural” and instinctive receiver that just simply knows how to get open. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but his combination of size, hands and instincts will make this pick a great one.
2nd
Jaylon Smith - ILB/OLB - Notre Dame
Height: 6’2” Weight: 235
![[Image: jaylon%20smith%20nd.jpg]](http://www.tigerrag.com/Images/Interior/football/opponent%20photos/jaylon%20smith%20nd.jpg)
If there is one thing that this coaching staff loves in it’s LBers it is versatility. With AJ Hawk and Maualuga only around for another year or so, expect the Bengals to draft a LB for the future.
Smith can play every LB position in the 4-3. His versatility is probably the best in this upcoming draft class. Smith shows impressive speed and athleticism for a middle LB and can provide sufficient support in defending the pass as well. Definitely is a player that could go in the 1st round if he has a strong year.
3rd
Adolphus Washington - NT - Ohio State
Height: 6’4” Weight: 295
![[Image: 1411671895000-USATSI-7572857.jpg]](http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/ff24f94dee6eff7188534936912c179b9723c6e8/c=101-0-2304-1656&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/Cincinnati/None/2014/09/25/1411671895000-USATSI-7572857.jpg)
The Bengals addressed the DT position in the 2015 draft… but did so with a pass rushing DT. With the decline of Peko and no clear heir apparent, we need to take a run stuffing, nose tackle type player in the 2016 draft.
Washington fills that void. Washington is strong enough to fight through offensive lineman one on one, therefore he requires a double team on most plays. This type of player will be crucial to bolster our run defense, as well as help our ailing pass rush.
So... I decided 3 rounds wasn't enough....
4th
Mike Matthews, C, Texas A&M
Height: 6-2. Weight: 290
5th
Rashard Higgins*, WR, Colorado State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 188
6th
Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 252
7th
Denzel Nkemdiche, S/OLB, Ole Miss
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212
1st
Laquan Treadwell - WR - Ole Miss
Height: 6’2” Weight: 229
The Bengals coaching staff and front office decided to roll with one more season with AJ, Sanu and Jones at the top of the WR depth chart. As much as I like all three players, I don’t see the decision panning out in the Bengals favor. Also, with impending free agency for much of the WR corps, it is important to reload the position.
Treadwell is the type of dynamic receiver that could give this corps the boost it needs. He is a “natural” and instinctive receiver that just simply knows how to get open. He doesn’t have blazing speed, but his combination of size, hands and instincts will make this pick a great one.
2nd
Jaylon Smith - ILB/OLB - Notre Dame
Height: 6’2” Weight: 235
If there is one thing that this coaching staff loves in it’s LBers it is versatility. With AJ Hawk and Maualuga only around for another year or so, expect the Bengals to draft a LB for the future.
Smith can play every LB position in the 4-3. His versatility is probably the best in this upcoming draft class. Smith shows impressive speed and athleticism for a middle LB and can provide sufficient support in defending the pass as well. Definitely is a player that could go in the 1st round if he has a strong year.
3rd
Adolphus Washington - NT - Ohio State
Height: 6’4” Weight: 295
The Bengals addressed the DT position in the 2015 draft… but did so with a pass rushing DT. With the decline of Peko and no clear heir apparent, we need to take a run stuffing, nose tackle type player in the 2016 draft.
Washington fills that void. Washington is strong enough to fight through offensive lineman one on one, therefore he requires a double team on most plays. This type of player will be crucial to bolster our run defense, as well as help our ailing pass rush.
So... I decided 3 rounds wasn't enough....
4th
Mike Matthews, C, Texas A&M
Height: 6-2. Weight: 290
5th
Rashard Higgins*, WR, Colorado State
Height: 6-2. Weight: 188
6th
Noah Spence, DE, Ohio State
Height: 6-3. Weight: 252
7th
Denzel Nkemdiche, S/OLB, Ole Miss
Height: 5-11. Weight: 212
